It’s So Hot Even The Wildlife Are Weary

We are having extremely hot temperatures here for the past few days.  My air conditioners at the house are suffering as they never get a chance to rest and it’s still 80 degrees in here.  But it’s better than the heat outside, so I’m not complaining.

Yesterday, I looked outside and saw this little guy on my patio.  At first, he wasn’t moving and I was concerned that perhaps he was dead, but once he heard my voice, he picked his little head up and when he saw me, off he scampered back into this little burrow under the shed.

Today, he was in the same position and I can’t help but wonder if it wouldn’t be cooler in his home under the ground?  Or perhaps he just felt like being outside in the shade?

He’s little and there’s a much larger version of him as well.  They bolt noisily across the patio when they hear me coming.  But I think it was so hot that he was weary from the heat so he didn’t notice me until he heard my voice talking to him.

I’m thinking he’s a groundhog or a woodchuck.  I researched and found out he’s a marmot (which is the collective word for groundhogs and woodchucks).  He can stand up on his hind legs and look around.  I tried to get a photo of that because it reminded me of those prairie dogs, but he noticed me and ran away.  Such is my luck…but I’ll keep trying!

I looked up groundhog and here’s part of the spiritual message:

Take time out today for meditation and self reflection. Use Groundhog energy to go deeper and to dig out what is unseen within you.

-Groundhog

 

Here is another version as well!  Click here for marmot symbolism!

I’ve named him Digger.  But I need a name for his larger friend.  Do you have you any ideas?  If you get a spiritual animal message from him to me, please share!

Stay Cool and Shine On!

xo

July First – Rabbit Rabbit!

Today is Rabbit Rabbit, White Rabbit White Rabbit!  I hope your month ahead is fulfilling  and where an abundance of peace, love, health, joy and connections abound!  Choose to shine your heartlights and continue to raise the vibrations in our world.  We need to unite in kindness!

This bunny lives at my house.  I’ve named him Clover as he loves to eat the clover in my yard which is abundant as you can see in the photo!  He’s not even afraid of me anymore since we’ve had some lovely quiet time together.  I guess I’m feeling like the Rabbit Whisperer!

Shine On!

xo

Rabbit Rabbit With Clover

I have a bunny whom I met when I first moved into the house.  He was a small brown rabbit, a baby.  I never saw him with any other bunnies.  We got used to each other over time and he has gotten to the point where he doesn’t run from me, although he doesn’t come near me either.  But we can sit companionably nearby whenever we meet.

He’s been sleeping under my porch as I have seen him hopping out from under it in the mornings which made me wonder – why?  I thought that bunnies lived in burrows.  But a good friend (thanks Mark!) told me that it’s the boy bunnies who tend to live above ground, leaving the momma and her babies to stay safely in the burrows.  So that makes sense to me and it makes me grateful for my porch which offers him shelter during the stormy weather.

I named my bunny Clover and although I don’t have a new photo of him to show you, you’ve seen him before here, and here .

Being that today is March 1st and our special Rabbit Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit day, I thought it fitting to share my Clover with you!

May your month of March be filled with love, light and healing —- and LUCK!

Shine On!

xo

Sandwich Generation

Have you ever heard of the sandwich generation?  It’s when you are a parent who takes care of your own children and your own parents at the same time.  Sandwiched in between the generations and responsible for them all at the same time.  At least, that’s my attempt at its definition.

I should know…I’ve been doing it for awhile now.

I have friends who are beginning the journey of helping their elderly parents and it’s hard.  Hard for the parents to let go and to allow their children to help them and hard for all to realize that life is imminently shorter than we plan for when we are young.  The changes that occur as our parents get older are sometimes unimaginable and hard for them and for us to fathom and navigate.  I mean, what parent ever wants to give up control to their children?  We are the parents after all. (said in the parental authoritative voice!)

But it happens.  If we’re lucky to still have our parents and our children be able to have a relationship (and if we still have a good relationship with our parents as well), please remember to feel blessed.  Because sometimes as the years go on, family difficulties interfere and our relationships deteriorate.

But in a perfect world, we may be blessed to take care of our parents as they took care of us.  This goes for anyone really in the older generations, the aunts and uncles, the older cousins, etc.

So can I give you a little advice especially now that Thanksgiving and the holiday season are arriving?

1. Do your best to include them.  Make the effort to go get them to bring them to the family get togethers if they are close enough.
2. Make them feel important.
3. Watch to see how they are doing physically, mentally and emotionally.
4. You are now the caretaker so be aware of subtle changes and if you see some, gently approach the subject.
5. Get Mom’s favorite recipes now while she remembers them.
6. Take pictures!  I can’t stress this enough!  Get photos of the family together.
7. Video tape them telling stories or singing or whatever memory you want to keep.  Someday you may wish you could hear their voices again or remember how they sang their favorite song or danced the watusi!
8. Be patient.  Getting older is not for sissies and they are doing the best they can.
9. Role model kindness because your children they will remember how you treated your family.
10. Be affectionate with them if that’s your family style.  There’s nothing better than taking that extra moment to hug a parent or family member.  They will appreciate it as will you.
11. Tell them how much you care and love them.  During Thanksgiving you can give thanks to them for all that they did for you.
12. Include them in favorite memories that showcase their love.
13. Be aware that as we get older, it gets harder to remember, to move and to hear other people.
14. Take the precious time to talk with them and to ask and to listen attentively to whatever they have to say.
15. Try not to put them in the corner and out of the way if they don’t want that because keeping them actively involved helps them immensely.
16. Be kinder as you won’t ever regret it later.
17. Take it all in stride and be patient with yourself as well.
18. Smile and know in your heart you are doing a great job.
19. Count your blessings that they are still here to spend time with you.
20. Enjoy each and every moment for life goes by in a flash!

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season!  I am thankful for my Mom and for those in the older generations of our family.  Having loved ones pass away in the last few years has been hard and I pray that you will keep in mind that every moment spent together is precious.

Shine On!

xo

 

Eclipse of the Soul

Oh my, where do I begin?  It’s like the rush of energy captivated me throughout the eve of the eclipse and the day itself.  It’s hard to explain, but maybe my experience will be similar to yours and we can share and connect.  At least, that’s my plan, dear friends.

First I noticed the energy change around me.  The cats were unsettled during the daylight before the eclipse.  Both kitties went from one extreme to another – sitting quietly and watching with fascination something I couldn’t see.  Of course, at times, I thought it was that the veil might be thin at this time and we had visitors, but since the kitties don’t talk about it, I am only left to wonder and watch their reactions.  At others, meowing plaintively or hovering close to me, even grooming me as if we needed to bond.  I petted them each in turn, relaxing them by giving and receiving love.

My own body whirred, not exactly trembling physically, but I felt the whirring vibration within me ebb and flow before the eclipse.  It was a silent subtle vibration which pulled  me to go outside for a bit just to sit in the sunshine.  The sun felt warmer on my skin when I was outside as well.  Imagination perhaps, but real to me all the same.  The sun wasn’t making me sweat, it was glowing within me, warming my body, mind and soul in such a pleasant way, even though the temps read 84 degrees.  The gentle breeze caressed my skin in the most delightful of ways.

Skies pale blue with intermittent clouds which streaked across the sky.  Not the bright bulbous clouds, but as if someone had blown a dandelion full of wishes across the sky.  The spiritual reset of the eclipse stayed in my mind as I raised my vibrations and laid out my wishes, as the clouds crossed the sky above me.  By the way, there were no geese to be seen today before the eclipse.  No honking – all was quiet and peaceful.  Did the geese know what was in store today?

I used the quiet time before the eclipse to pray and to thank God and the Universe for all the blessings I have received.  I counted my blessings, one by one, which took a long time.  I quietly prayed, my heart receptive to any messages received.  I filled the skies with a release of my worries.  Blowing them away from my mind as I wished on a dandelion.

 

What did I wish for?

Love and peace to surround me. 

Faith and kindness to increase. 

Gentle rearrangement of souls connection,

higher vibrations and attunement to our higher purpose.

A deeper awakening seemed to rise up within me.  As I stood in the grass in my yard facing the beckoning willow tree, I felt an emotional surge from the soles of my feet, warming my body upwards until the crown of my head seemed to open and white light emerged to bond with the sun above me.  It was a remarkable feeling.  Tickling, tingling and rare as I felt enveloped in a peaceful, comforting hug from the Universe and all who dwell within.  A power of oneness, of connection and of sanctity.  I remained quietly standing for awhile.  I am not sure how long, but as I began to hear again – I realized that for a time, I only heard the whir of my heartbeat and the blood in my body and the air within my lungs.  My ears had that white noise sound that we sometimes get which usually bugs me when it happens, but this time, it was received as a loving gift of spirit.

I opened my eyes to see the world around me.  I hadn’t realized I had closed my eyes as I was so enraptured by the experience.  I must have looked silly to anyone passing by but I was never even aware of them.  I was only singularly aware of the melding of the earth, the stars, the sky, the sun, the moon, mother nature, spirit, God, the Universe and me.  And that’s a big melding to experience at once.

My breathing quickened as I felt woken from the trance-like state where I had been standing, arms open wide, palms up, melding with the Universe.  Birds chirped nearby and Clover the baby bunny hopped in the nearby grass, chewing her favorite bits of clover contentedly.  I felt the gentle breeze increase, tickling my body with a warm caress again.

I felt tired, but sated.  As if the experience had ignited in me a light and a flame of love that was deeper than I had ever experienced in my lifetime.  I felt one with everything and everyone.  One – as in truly connected – one – as in all of our experiences are shared – one – as if I completely understand your pains, your happiness and you, as well as me.

And this was all before the famed eclipse.  I wonder what will happen afterwards?  I’m going to rest right now.  Sleep beckons and I want to wake up to experience the eclipse, so I will close for now.  Sweet peace, dear ones.

Shine On!

xo

 

 

 

As The Geese Go By

I moved a few months ago and I am more out in the country now, including having a historic farm across the street which grows rows upon rows, acres upon acres of corn.  It’s an interesting place to live and I’m enjoying the change for now.

Last night, I had an interesting experience.  I was outside when I heard a cacophony of geese and watched as a flock of them flew down the street in front of my house!  Flew down the street, only about 15 feet above the actual road!  The experience made me smile thinking how they were following the windy country road.  About ten minutes later, I heard the honking and they came back up the road in a similar fashion.

Suddenly they made a left turn, still in formation and flew over my home, only a few feet above the rooftop.  I could see them perfectly as they flew by overhead!  Honking loudly, about 20 of them went by.

This morning when I awoke, I heard them before I saw them.  Hundreds of them sitting in the corn field across the street from my home.  The farmer had razed part of the field and there the flock was, all sitting or standing and facing the same direction.  At times one would open its wings (it was raining at first) as if to dry them.  But for hours, they have been there, occasionally honking to one another.

Then the rain slowed to light showers and the sun began to peek out!  By the way, that’s rain, as I was standing outside on the porch and not a dirty window lol!

It’s just so curious to me as I’ve never had any experience with geese.  I guess it’s a part of the transition in my life, but I’m liking it!  New experiences, learning new things and noticing the beauty which surrounds us.  I’m curious though, does anyone know why they are all seem to be facing the same direction?

I don’t remember seeing geese so active so I’m not sure if it’s where I live or this time of year?  I have watched two groups of them criss-cross, in different directions within minutes of each other.  One flying north to south, the other flying east to west and then coming back again fly by and change direction.

It’s almost like they’re blessing our home!

Or is that my overactive imagination at work? LOL

Knowing me, you realize that I looked up the goose symbolism, right?  I found it here in case you were interested as well!

Here’s a little part of it:  Goose spirit animal carries the magical totem powers of synchronicity….It is from this power of synchronicity that they draw their strength and abilities of endurance….creating a group mind for the benefit of all geese in the flock.  

Now doesn’t that sound like a great totem at this time in our lives?

Either way, have you seen more geese than usual?  Have you ever had such an experience?  Anyone know more about geese?

Just wondering!

Shine On!

xo

 

NYC from the Sky

I took this shot from my window seat on the airplane yesterday.  Seated almost over the wing, I grabbed my camera quickly as the skyline of New York City emerged.  I am no photography expert, but I find the photo so interesting, don’t you?  What do you see when you look at it?  Please share below!

Just thought I’d share…Happy Tuesday…Mardi Gras for those who are inclined…

Shine On!

xo

One Shot, Two Ways

Which do you prefer?

Horizontal as above

or

Vertical as below?

Weekly Photo Challenge: One Shot, Two Ways

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/one-shot-two-ways/

August 1st

August 1st ~ Rabbit Rabbit

“May the Sun always shine through your clouds.” ~ The Presents of Presence

Happy First of August ~ wowza!  The month of July has simply flown by for me!  Has it done the same for you?  With one month of summer left here, I just thought I’d give a reminder to say, Rabbit-Rabbit today for luck the whole month through ~ and to remind you to look for the sunshine even when life is cloudy.

Have a lovely day!

Shine On!

xo

Thanks for the Liebster!

Another Award – The Liebster

I would like to thank Judy at judysp.wordpress.com on another-award-the-liebster for nominating me for this award.  On Judy’s blog, You will find yourself enjoying A Daily Thought with her everyday!  She blogs of books, artists, animal fun and much more!  A Daily Thought is a joyful way to begin your day ~ teaching, entertaining and just all around fun!  Make sure you check her out!

What is a Liebster? The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. So what do we have to do to show our appreciation?

1. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you’ve tagged to answer.
2. Choose bloggers and link them in your post.
3. Go to their page and tell them.

Queestions for Nominees: My answers.

1. Name a book you would read over and over again? A) Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life and The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn

2. If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be? A) Health, Happiness & Love for All

3. Who was your favorite teacher and why? A) Mrs. Rise, my 5th grade teacher, who is still my friend 30+ years later.

4. Where is your favorite vacation spot? A) A clean beach w/clear, blue water with my family

5. What chore do you absolutely hate doing? A) Pulling weeds

6. What personality traits do you dislike in other people? A) Meanness

7. What is your least favorite mode of transportation? A) Hmm…perhaps unicycle since I don’t know how to ride one! LOL!

8. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? A) The beginning of the world (Earth)

9.  What did you do growing up that got you into trouble? A) Nothing, I was perfect! 🙂 LOL ~ no seriously ~ I was such a good girl!

10. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? A) Reading or writing on my computer

11. What movie do you flat-out refuse to watch, no matter how good people say it is? A) I can’t watch anything scary, gory or violent.

The wonderful bloggers I have nominated (in no particular order) are:

1. newsofthetimes.org   Jenny’s travel photo was in competition as one of the finalists in Bucket List Publications!  Check her out!

2. russel-ray  If zoo animals are your thing, Russell has the lion, flamingo and every other exotic animal in his photographic lens for you to enjoy! If you’re a fan of San Diego, Russel will show you what you have yet to experience!   You won’t be disappointed in the many teaching posts, animal posts, Zoey the Cool Cat, etc

3. soulwritings.wordpress.com  Here’s a blog which brings you a bit of everything…three authors post on this amazing blog, bringing you quotes, stories, and an awakening which will help you on your journey!  Enjoy!

4.  mainelyhopeful.com  Susan’s blog is heartwarming as she’s enduring her journey through breast cancer.  Her honest posts will enlighten you, entertain you and continue to keep you enthralled.  Especially if you are enduring breast cancer!

5. goalhabits.com  Paul Mark Sutherland gives you a daily thought to keep your mind sharp and keep you focused.  You’ll love the morning tidbits he delivers!

6. manolirizofotografia.com  A photo a day from Sunny Spain and beyond!   Manoli nos comparte una foto cada dia de Espana ~ que belleza!

7. antodesimone.wordpress.com Poetry in Italian and in English with his special brand of photos will inspire you in every post!

8. inspired2ignite.com  Denise will enthrall you with her survival skills ~ you will be inspired by her story and by her strength, her love and her life.

9. mybreastcancerstorykimchaffee.wordpress.com Kim will explain all sorts of breast cancer tests etc for you to make your BC journey easier to deal with!  You will learn from her!

10.  letlifeinpractices.com  Kristin keeps you motivated with her lessons in life!

11.  everlastingloveofflowers.wordpress.com  Kim shows you flowers, nature and beauty through God’s eyes…dried flowers are her specialty!

Please take a moment to check out their blogs.  You’ll feel the love for sure!

xo